Schools

'Hello! West Hartford' Plans Second Anniversary Celebration

The organization uses a "Hello!" greeting in many different languages to begin to build bridges between West Hartford's diverse populations.

Hello! West Hartford will celebrate its second anniversary on Monday, April 29 with a "Year in Revue." The celebration will be held at West Hartford Town Hall, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Hello! West Hartford, is an initiative started by West Hartford's Community Connections group with the goal of "building bridges" between the diverse populations that form the West Hartford community.

Each month, Hello! West Hartford features a "Hello" or "Welcome" greeting in one of the 68 languages represented by students in West Hartford's schools. In the past two years, 17 videos have been produced featuring students at all grade levels in schools throughout town.

This month's greeting is "Chào" – the Vietnamese word for "Hello!"

Organizers, who are thankful to many in town for embracing this initiative, expect a large crowd and an "amazing celebration" on April 29. According to a news release, the event will feature videos as well as food, posters, artifacts, music, and individuals representing a variety of cultures speaking their native languages.

"Our ethnic and cultural background has shaped our identities. It feels great to be recognized for who we are!" said Erla Kristofersdottir, a resident who moved to West Hartford from Iceland ten years ago, in the release. 

According to the release, West Hartford Board of Education member Mark Overmyer-Velazquez, students, and others representing community and cultural groups will give presentations. Mayor Scott Slifka and other civic leaders plan to attend.

“We love to share culture with our daughters like when we go to a Spanish-speaking staff restaurant or go to a culturally traditional event such as a Chinese New Year celebration in Manhattan,” Manuela Canales said in the release. “Hello! West Hartford is an incredible opportunity right here in West Hartford for our family to learn about and celebrate other cultures.”  

For more information, email hellowesthartford@gmail.com, call Bepsie Perry 860-810-0401, or visit hellowesthartford.org for more information.


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